Just now acknowledging ADHD

[fanglorious]

I used to take medicine for ADHD, but stopped because I didn't think it was helping me. Over the course of some years I dealt with anxiety and depression and a small OCD problem. I started going to a new therapist who educated me that all my subsequent problems may stem from ADHD, and I'm trying to learn now because I'm working on a master's degree and I can't let myself fail.

[GatsbyCat]

Hey fanglorious~

Welcome to the group. Yes, I agree with your therapist that ADHD could be the root of your problems. I know that it is for me. I was diagnosed about a year ago now, and FINALLY got my doctor to prescribe medication. Because this is considered a Scheduled I drug, many doctors will NOT write a prescription for one, even though medication is considered the BEST way to help patients.

If you can get a new RX, do so now. I take Focalin XR which is a 12 hour release and it is helping me tremendously. I'm much more calm and able to focus on important tasks. (Since I am going thru re-training after having carpal tunnel, I'm taking online classes)

You will not fail your Master's program if you set in place habits and behaviors to keep you on track. I just purchased "Taking Charge of Adult ADHD" by Russell Barkley, Phd ISBN#978-1-30323-338-2 This is an excellent resource, and I highly recommend it.

Make yourself a daily schedule, and stick to it...

SAMPLE only.. write one up that you like that fits in your relationship, classes, etc...

1. Make Breakfast

2. Take Medication

3. Meditate- I like the group called Mindful Movement- on YouTube

4. Excersize- I like elipitical - about 45 minutes for me, then I do a Pilates floor mat to keep myself flexible and balanced

5. Task for day- whatever they are- rank in priority- For you maybe study/ write/ research

6. Breaks... 10-15min breaks.. reward yourself if you want.. video game, whatever it is

7. Lunch

8. Keep going on tasks

9. Breaks

10. Dinner

11. Cleaning

12..Regular Bed time

Hope these ideas help you out! Good luck on this awesome journey called life.

Take care~

GatsbyCat

[Shnookie]

I'm sorry U R going thru but if and your therapist agree that ADHD is the heart of the challenges that U R facing, It can be managed to a certain extent (I say certain because we are in the age of COVID) THAT CAN HELP u SUcceed with your education. U two can decide on a medication that has great promise to keeping U on the straight and narrow and help U focus with your studies. THE ONE THING U MUST REMEMBER IS IF U DO NOT

LIKE THE MEDICATION THAT IS PRESCRIBED TO YOU, PLEASE INFORM YOUR

THERAPIST RIGHT AWAY. Going cold turkey off a med can be horrendous for your body and mind. I say this from personal experience. The doctor can try U on another ADHD

drug and U can start a course of cognitive therapy, meditation, exercise even if it means

short walks, listening to music U enjoy and positive visualization which can put U in a relaxed mood and forget about your problems for a little while. My father as a teenage

Holocaust lived in Cuba b4 arriving in the U.S. He told me about the beautiful white sands of Veradero Beach in Habana with its clear crystal blue water. I imagine myself dining with a silver fox outside with the balmy breezes caressing our backs gazing into our eyes and listening to beautiful boleros like Besame Mucho (check out Andrea Bocelli's live version on Youtube) I feel so peaceful after this. Create your own visualization and see if it helps your mood. Good luck. I'm in your corner

[mcfail]

hey Fanglorious - many of us have accompanying conditions like anxiety and depression - no surprise given the emotional beatings we take - or give ourselves!....as gatsbycat says....lists, agendas itineraries - whatever you want to call them really help - I mean a big thing for a lot of us is forgetting those important tasks, dates, appointments, assignments etc. With a Masters at hand you'll need these prompts and scheduling to stay on track and be productive. They helped me get thru my masters - i used post-its and a large paper desk calendar - old school but hey it was 1987 - ok? And consider meds - they can help especially if you are battling hyper activity....